Last updated Jul. 25, 2024 by Okechukwu Nkemdirim
In today’s world of credit cards, where every card issuer promises enticing perks and benefits, it can be challenging to determine which card is genuinely worth your time and hard-earned money. The Citi Rewards+ Card stands out for its unique and compelling features that make it an excellent choice for everyday purchases. Here’s why the Citi Rewards+ Card should be in your wallet.
1. Rounding Up Rewards
One of the standout features of the Citi Rewards+ Card is its “Round Up” feature. This means that every purchase you make is rounded up to the nearest 10 points. For instance, if you buy a cup of coffee for $2.50, you will earn 10 points, rather than the 2.5 points you’d typically earn with a card offering 1 point per dollar spent. This feature is beneficial for those who make multiple small purchases throughout the day, as it maximizes the rewards you can earn from these transactions.
2. Bonus Points for Everyday Categories
Citi Rewards+ Card offers 2X ThankYou Points at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 spent per year. After reaching the cap, you still earn 1 point per dollar spent. This makes the card particularly attractive for everyday essentials like groceries and fuel, where spending is consistent.
3. Points Back on Redemptions
Another unique feature is the points-back benefit. Cardholders get 10% of their points back when they redeem them, up to 100,000 points annually. Essentially, this means that every 10,000 points redeemed, you get 1,000 points back. This boosts the overall value of your points and encourages you to redeem them without the fear of depleting your points balance quickly.
4. No Annual Fee
The Citi Rewards+ Card comes with no annual fee, making it a cost-effective choice for consumers. Without an annual fee hanging over your head, the points you accumulate genuinely feel like rewards rather than a way of compensating for a hefty fee.
5. Introductory APR
For those looking to finance large purchases or transfer existing high-interest balances, the Citi Rewards+ Card offers an introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months. This can be particularly useful for managing cash flow or paying off debt more quickly.
6. Flexible Redemption Options
Citi ThankYou Points are known for their versatility in redemption options. You can redeem points for travel, gift cards, statement credits, and even shop with points through Amazon and other merchants. The flexibility offered ensures that cardholders can use their points in ways that best suit their needs.
7. User-Friendly Interface and Management
Citi offers a robust online platform and mobile app, making it easy to track your spending, points accumulation, and rewards redemptions. The user-friendly interface ensures that managing your card and understanding your benefits is straightforward.
✓ Short Answer
Ideal for frequent small purchases, the Citi Rewards+ Card maximizes rewards by rounding up to the nearest 10 points. It offers 2X points at supermarkets and gas stations up to $6,000 annually, 10% points back on redemptions, and has no annual fee.
8. Security and Protection
Citi provides extensive security and protection features. You get access to 24/7 customer service and fraud protection services, ensuring peace of mind while you use your card. Citi’s fraud early warning system helps detect any unusual transactions, thereby minimizing the risk of unauthorized use.
9. Global Acceptance
The Citi Rewards+ Card is part of the Mastercard network, which means it is accepted almost everywhere around the globe. Gone are the days of worrying whether your card will be accepted while traveling or making an international online purchase.
10. No Foreign Transaction Fees
Unlike many other cards that charge foreign transaction fees, the Citi Rewards+ Card does not impose these fees, making it an excellent choice for travelers. Whether you’re traveling internationally for business or leisure, using this card can save you a considerable amount on transactional costs.
Real-Life Application and Scenarios
Grocery Shopping
Imagine you’re a busy parent running around buying groceries. Each of those trips for weekly shopping can add up points quickly, especially with the card’s 2X points feature at supermarkets. Since the Citi Rewards+ rounds up to the nearest 10 points, even if your grocery bill is $30.50, you get rewarded as if you spent $31.
Gas Stations
Daily commute to work and other errands can see you spending quite a bit on gas. The Citi Rewards+ Card makes this less painful by offering 2X points on these regular fill-ups. By maximizing your points on these everyday expenses, the card essentially ‘pays you back’ for your essential activities.
Frequent Small Purchases
For those who find themselves often buying coffee, snacks, or other small items, the rounding up feature presents a massive benefit. These small purchases, which might seem insignificant, round up to 10 points each time and can accumulate rapidly over the month.
Travel Redemption
Given the flexibility of Citi ThankYou Points, if you’re someone who enjoys travelling, you can easily accumulate points through daily purchases and redeem them for flights, hotels, and more. Add in no foreign transaction fees, and the Citi Rewards+ Card can be a powerful financial tool for globetrotters.
Conclusion
The Citi Rewards+ is a stellar choice for everyday purchases, offering a myriad of benefits that cater to the average consumer’s spending habits. From rounding up points, earning extra on essential categories, getting points back on redemptions, and enjoying no annual fee, this card stands tall as a versatile and rewarding option. Its unique value proposition, coupled with flexible redemption options and strong security features, ensures it remains a top card for those looking to maximize rewards on regular spending patterns.
FAQs
1. Does the Citi Rewards+ Card have an annual fee?
No, the Citi Rewards+ Card does not have an annual fee.
2. How does the "Round Up" feature work?
The “Round Up” feature rounds up every purchase to the nearest 10 points. For example, if you spend $13.75 on a purchase, you earn 20 points instead of 13.75.
3. What categories earn 2X points?
You earn 2X points at supermarkets and gas stations on the first $6,000 per year in combined purchases. After hitting the annual cap, you will earn 1 point per dollar spent in these categories.
4. What is the introductory APR offer?
The Citi Rewards+ Card offers an introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months.
5. How many points can I get back on redemptions?
You get 10% points back on the points you redeem, up to 100,000 points per year. That means if you redeem 10,000 points, you get 1,000 points back.
6. Are there foreign transaction fees?
No, the Citi Rewards+ Card does not charge any foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent choice for international travel.
7. How can I redeem my points?
Citi ThankYou Points can be redeemed through various options, including travel, gift cards, statement credits, or shopping with points at partner merchants like Amazon.
8. Does the card offer security features?
Yes, the Citi Rewards+ Card offers 24/7 customer service, fraud protection services, and a fraud early warning system to help detect unusual transactions.
9. How is the customer service?
Citi is known for providing excellent customer service 24/7, ensuring any issues or questions you may have are addressed promptly.
10. Is the card globally accepted?
Yes, being part of the Mastercard network, the Citi Rewards+ Card is accepted almost everywhere globally, providing ease of use whether at home or abroad.
